Abstract
This thesis aims to compare the Dutch and English translations of the French novelVernon Subutex, 1 by Virginie Despentes in terms of their use of slang. The study will examine
how the translators, Jan Versteeg and Frank Wynne, for Dutch and English respectively, have
handled the challenge of translating the novel's rich and diverse slang vocabulary into their
target languages. Through a detailed analysis of selected passages and a variety of the most
prevalent slang terms in the novel, the thesis will investigate the different strategies employed
by the two translators and assess their effectiveness in conveying the meaning, tone, and
cultural nuances of the original text. The study will also explore the history of slang used in
French literature in relation to the author and the novel, as well as the contribution of the
author’s background and the explicit novel’s reception. Ultimately, this comparative analysis
aims to shed light on the complexities of translating oftentimes explicit slang in contemporary
French literature and provide insights into the skill of translating slang more broadly.
Keywords: translation, slang, comparative analysis, vernacular language, colloquialisms, …
| Date of Award | Sept 2023 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
Keywords
- Translation Studies